UPSC Prelims 2000·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Most of the explosions in mines occur due to the mixing of

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  1. Ahydrogen with oxygen
  2. Boxygen with acetylene
  3. Cmethane with airCorrect
  4. Dcarbon dioxide with ethane

Explanation

The correct answer is C because methane, often referred to as firedamp in mining, is a flammable gas naturally trapped within coal layers. When methane is released during mining operations and mixes with the oxygen in the air in concentrations between 5 and 15 percent, it becomes highly explosive. Even a small spark from machinery or static electricity can ignite this mixture, leading to major underground explosions. This is the most common cause of gas explosions in mines.
science-and-technology: Most of the explosions in mines occur due to the mixing of

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